Published: Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 10:09 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 10:09 p.m.

Kelly Smith had more to celebrate than his birthday when he watched his daughter, Breana Lea Smith, representing South Davidson High School take the 2013 Miss Davidson County crown on Thursday night at the Davidson County Agricultural Fair.

Breana Lea Smith, the 2013 Miss Davidson County Pageant queen (left), is shown with first runnerup Haley Pace from North Davidson (center) and second runnerup Courtney Turner from East Davidson.

Matti House/The Dispatch

Breana Smith is the daughter of Kelly and Gail Smith.

“We are so very proud of Breana,” said her parents simultaneously. “She is a great girl. It's a great birthday present,” said Kelly.

This is the second year in a row that a South Davidson representative has won the Miss Davidson County crown. Madison Sigmon won the 2012 Miss Davidson County Pageant.

“I can't even describe the feeling,” said Smith after she had won. “This is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me.”

Haley Pace of North Davidson High School was the first runnerup and Courtney Turner of East Davidson High School was named second runnerup.

Other contestants in the Miss Davidson County Pageant were Sarah Sturdivant of Central Davidson High; Molly Gibbons of Ledford High; Getsemani Monsalvo of Lexington Senior High and Callie Wynn West of Davidson High.

Smith won the long-running annual fair pageant in front of a packed crowd of spirited high schoolers decked out in T-shirts, cowboy hats and cutoff jeans shorts. They carried banners, waved signs and issued ear-splitting screams that rivaled any professional sporting event. The pageant has become a popular “school spirit” competition between area high schools, which challenged each other with chants, boos and cheers to see who could make the most noise.

Although their contestant didn't come in first place, the North Davidson supporters, who were decked out in the their black and orange gear, greatly outnumbered and out-cheered all the other schools.

Master of ceremonies Irvin Sink said that the criteria in choosing the winners is not only based on physical attractiveness but also includes their personality, academic success, ambitions for the future and involvement in the community.

“We are looking for a well-rounded young lady who has her head on straight and a plan in place for what she wishes to accomplish after high school,” said Irvin.

He also said that the loudness or creative costuming of the crowd has no bearing on the judges decision.

Prior to the pageant, each contestant had to submit a résumé outlining school activities, personal interests and goals. The contestants also were interviewed individually and together immediately preceding the pageant on Thursday.

During the pageant contestants were asked questions focusing on their plans after high school, what is their favorite extra curricular activity and what was their most memorable accomplishment over the summer. Smith said that after graduating as valedictorian of her senior class, she wants study the medical profession and become a neurosurgeon. Her most memorable event over the summer was when she went scuba diving with sharks in Jamaica.

Smith received $65 and roses from the Lexington Kiwanis club as the winner of the pageant. The first runnerup received $40 and a corsage and the second runnerup received $25 and a corsage.

The judges of the pageant were Judy Wimmer, Theresa Wilson and Mark Davis. Reggie's Flower Shoppe donated the flowers, while Piedmont Funeral Home provided chairs.

Proceeds from the Davidson County Agricultural Fair go to operate Kamp Kiwanis, Davidson County Charities and for the general improvement of the fair.

Sharon Myers can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 228 or at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com.

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